Smart TVs, internet modems, gaming consoles: Expert reveals energy ‘vampires’ sucking your power bill dry

An energy data expert has revealed the “vampires” in ordinary Aussie homes racking up hundreds of dollars in extra costs on power bills year in, year out, along with the most common mistake people are making to escape these charges.

Garry Harding, co-founder and chief executive of energy analytics company EnergyFlex, says appliances like Smart TVs, gaming consoles and internet modems are draining accounts using what’s known as “phantom load” – any electricity that an appliance or device consumes even when it’s switched off.